Savoring the Flavors of Southwest Michigan

In southwest Michigan you will find intriguing country towns mingled with vibrant cities along the scenic Michigan shoreline. These places have an abundance of culinary destinations to visit as well as sandy beaches and lighthouses lining the coast as something is always going on whether it is a wine trail, food event, or festival. Savor every moment and flavor you come across in southwest Michigan as there is none that compare.

A unique brewery to visit would be Arcadia Brewing Company as they create small batches of beers such as Cocoa Loco, Jaw Jacker and Shipwreck Porter. The labels for these beers are just as unique and creative as they are created specifically for each flavor. Located within the brewery is TCs Pub which features a yummy mixed menu of wood fired pizzas, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, BBQ, pork loin, jambalaya and salmon. Arcadia is a perfect casual stop on your trip to quench your thirst with local beer and delicious food.

A vibrant interior with art covering the walls is what you will find at Food Dance Cafe. Their mouth watering menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner are truly creative. They put a spin on familiar comfort foods that make them even more enjoyable. The menu offers burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas, pork and amazing desserts. Food Dance is focused on helping the local community as they buy from many local companies such as Young Earth Farm and Vissar Farm, which help make the quality of their dishes delectable.

The bustling Kalamazoo Farmers Market is the perfect destination for fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, fresh meats and handmade crafts. Local farmers and vendors fill the area with quality products every week and allow you time to make connections. They are open the first Saturday in May through mid November and participate in Project Fresh, which means they accept EBT and WIC programs. This lively market draws you in with its atmosphere, but the fresh local produce and products are what will keep you coming back.

A rustic American eatery and bakery is Salt of the Earth. They pride themselves on buying locally to emphasize the flavor of their menu items and products. The menu offers wood fired pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, steak, chicken and pork which can be paired with some delicious varieties of Michigan wines from their wine menu. Visit their bakery cafe for lunch or to purchase some of their amazing breads. Not only do they have a great menu, but they offer many events throughout the year from live music to specialty dinners.

Owned by True Blue Farms this company offers every blueberry product imaginable. Blueberry products range from chocolates, jams, jellies, muffins, syrups, to meats and so much more. Stop in for the freshest blueberries in season, since more blueberries are cultivated within 50 miles of their front door than any other place in the world. Their products are as delicious as they are creative. This is the place for any blueberry lover.

Delectable truffles made with Michigan wine from Contessa Wine Cellars are some of the mouth-watering flavors at Chocolate Garden. These handmade chocolates are perfect for a gift or a sweet treat for yourself, and have been featured on the Food Network and in Midwest Living magazine. Some of their delicious truffle flavors include Dark Orange, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Love, Vanilla Rose, Lemon Drop and for those that like it spicy is Cayenne Kick. I dare you to have just one.

The magnificent view of Lake Michigan is what you will see as you dine on the deck or dining room of Bistro on the Boulevard. Their menu offers an array of local ingredients that create delicious meals that include soups, salads, sandwiches, duck, chicken, fish, crab cakes, pasta dishes and handmade desserts. Pairing your meal with one of their remarkable wines is a treat as they have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence "for having one of the most outstanding restaurant Wine Lists in the world." The Bistro offers many events throughout the year as well as evening specials such as Sushi Wednesdays.

Tree-mendus Fruit Farm is a great U-Pick farm that grows apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, plums, apples and blackberries. Not only can you pick your own fruits, but you can choose your own apple tree and rent it for the season. Your family can come pick apples from it at any time and enjoy a nice picnic below the tree. Tree-mendus is a great setting for company picnics, group tours, or country dinners. Throughout the year they offer many events including their famous International Cherry Spitting Championship, which speaks for itself.

Tabor Hill is not only a winery, but a restaurant too. The winery offers walking tours along the vineyard to learn how wine is made. Dont forget to try some of their award winning wines that include whites, reds, sparkling, semi-dry and dessert wines. During dinner stop by their restaurant to indulge your taste buds in their delightful entrees. The menu changes everyday and can include crab cakes to moral mushroom pizzette to lamb rack to seafood. Their dishes look like pieces of art, but the flavors speak for themselves.

Unlike your normal garden center, Sawyer Garden Center offers not only its quality bedding flats, hanging baskets, color bowls and perennials along with a selection of fresh Michigan produce throughout the year and over 50 fine wines from local wineries. You can also purchase some of their delicious fresh baked bread, sauces, spices, cheeses and amazing farmer pies. On some weekends they offer cooking demonstrations to help you learn how to cook with local food and ingredients.